Respiratory failure is a severe clinical condition that occurs when the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood and/or effectively remove carbon dioxide from the body. This condition is characterized by a decrease in blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and an increase in carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia). Both conditions are diagnosed through blood gas analysis.
Hypoxemia negatively affects tissue and organ functions due to insufficient oxygen intake, while hypercapnia refers to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. Respiratory failure can manifest with symptoms such as shortness of breath, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), extreme fatigue, and chest pain, and can lead to severe functional impairments in vital organs, especially the lungs.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), often developing due to smoking and more frequently observed than lung cancer, is one of the most common diseases causing respiratory failure. This condition, severely impairing the functionality of the airways, significantly affects patients' quality of life.